Destined

Chapter 18

  The wedding day was rapidly approaching, and I had to admit, I wasn't looking forward to it. I did my best to hide it from Hannah, and I seemed to be successful with her, but the same did not apply to Meg.

  "I would have thought you would be eager to go back to your home," she said after she'd dragged the admission out of me. Hannah had been busy with the Queen, and Dean wasn't to be found even if his mood had improved, which it probably hadn't, so I'd asked Meg to go on a walk towards the woods with me, although if I had known what our topic of conversation was going to be, I might have refrained.

  "I would have thought so too. But... I don't look forward to having to face Mother's death for a second time," I told her. Meg nodded knowingly.

  "I understand. The death of a loved one is never easy. But I believe you'll be okay. You're tough. I can tell," she said. I smiled.

  "Thank you for the vote of confidence. And maybe when I return home... You could... come with me..." I didn't look at her as I said this, staring instead at the ground passing beneath us as we walked. I had no idea if she would want to come with me, and I didn't know if I would still want her to come with me when the time came. But the idea of having someone there with me was one I liked, at least for now.

  "Maybe," Meg said. I glanced over at her. She was also looking at the ground, her face soft with gentle thought.

  "Just... Something to think about," I said. Meg looked up at me.

  "I should get back to the castle. I enjoyed walking with you, Clarence," she said. I nodded and she started back towards the castle. I decided to stay for a while. I'd seen the castle enough, and fresh air would do me good. Besides, Meg did not seem to want my company at the moment, so walking back with her would likely be awkward.

  I thought a lot as I continued walking. Most of it revolved around everything that had happened since Hannah and I had arrived here. My life was so simple before I had met the Winchesters. I couldn't help but wonder what my life would be like now if Father had chosen one of my brothers to accompany Hannah. I couldn't imagine it being half as interesting. That, of course, did not necessarily mean it was better here. I liked Dean a lot, but knowing him in no way made my life simpler. I'd never had anyone who's opinion of me I valued quite like Dean's, which was especially unfortunate as Dean's opinion fluxuated to fast for me to keep up with. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how his brain worked, and a part of me wished I wasn't so desperate to figure it out. But like it or not, for whatever reason, I cared what Dean thought of me.

  I was pulled from my thoughts by the realization that somewhere near me, someone was talking. I couldn't quite make out the words, and I knew it was none of my business, but I couldn't help myself. I moved in the direction of the voice until it became clear.

  "...almost finished. If things keep going like this, we'll be in before they know what hit them. Kevin says he should be ready in a month." I frowned. It sounded like there was somw kind of attack being planned. I moved closer, hoping to see who was speaking, as someone responded.

  "Good. They'll be married by then," they said. I froze in my tracks. That was Sam. What was happening out here? I stepped around a tree and came into view of Sam and the other person - he looked like a castle guard.

  "What's going on?" I asked. Sam looked at me sharply.

  "Cas. What are you doing here?" He asked, looking slightly panicked.

  "I was taking a walk. What are you two talking about? Is there going to be an attack?" I asked. I'd known that the reason for Hannah's marriage was Terren allying itself with Paradina in preparation for a war with Hallas, but the idea of Hannah being here for an attack put me on edge.

  "I... Cas, you have to promise not to tell anyone about this. If it got out, a lot of people could die. Good people," Sam pleaded.

  "Just tell me," I said. Sam sighed.

  "We're planning a strike against Hallas. We have people infiltrating the court. In a month's time, we're going after them," Sam said. I felt anger begin to bubble up inside me.

  "And you couldn't wait? You couldn't give Hannah time to settle? No, you had to wage war immediately, didn't you? You Winchesters don't know how to be patient, do you?" I yelled. Sam blinked at me, shocked.

  "Cas-"

  "No, forget this. I can't believe you," I said whirling around and heading back towards the castle without another word. I could not believe them. They just couldn't wait to be at war, could they? And now Hannah was going to be thrown in the middle of it. She didn't deserve that. She was peaceful, she didn't want to fight anyone. And if Hallas and Terren really were this close to war, wouldn't that make Hallas the primary suspect in the assassination attempt on Hannah's life? Why wouldn't the Winchesters mention that?

  As soon as I got back to my own room in the castle I shut myself in. I would have to think about this for a long time.